Cypresswood trails

[txmtnbiker74]

Anyone ride cypresswood this past weekend? I wasn't able but some friends of mine did and told me that some BMX'ers had torn up parts of the trails. They dug up some of the nice little drops that we all ride on. Why...so they can have more dirt to make jumps. That really sucks and tick me off...

[Schroeder]

Especially since there is a BMX track at FM1488 and I 45. I just noticed the sign the other day as I was coming back from Huntsville. These things happen you know.

I am debating creating some simple switch back type trails along one of the big bayous in my area of the Woodlands. There is a wide expanse of land that could be worked a bit. It wouldn't be too technical but it could be dirt with some change of elevation and practice for cornering at speed. I'll hike it one of these weekends. Call it my secret trail. Plenty of trees to obscure entrances.

[igotabike]

the only way to be happy with the place you ride is to build it yourself

[crashagain]

Originally posted by txmtnbiker74
Anyone ride cypresswood this past weekend? I wasn't able but some friends of mine did and told me that some BMX'ers had torn up parts of the trails. They dug up some of the nice little drops that we all ride on. Why...so they can have more dirt to make jumps. That really sucks and tick me off...

That's the problem with "underground" or "unofficial" trails - you can't police them - everyone does what they want, and you can't do much about it. It's ridiculous what they did at Cypresswood. I rode it yesterday. The big drop off along the bayou that some call "Laura's Demise", someone made into a big jump, and dug holes that ruin all other viable lines. Blatant, stupid looking holes. We've all tolerated the constant digging and construction and reconstruction in the bowl area, but now they're messing with other parts of the trail...and they cut new trail so they can loop back and do their jumps over and over again.

They've dug up a flat area closer to the road...three big holes and some half constructed mounds of logs and loose dirt - right along the regular trail, resulting in a detour being cut that takes out a bunch of the old trail. BIG MESS!!!!

But, all you can do is try to undo what they do to discourage them. Problem is, once you dig holes, you've disturbed the ground, and the area around Laura's Demise - they dug between the roots and along the bayou - there's no way to put that dirt back - the rain will wash it right out again. We'll probably lose that whole spot to the bayou YEARS ealier than we would have otherwise.

They've (and the "they" in this case, aint no "bmx kids") made some stuff over by the bowl that's likely to get somebody killed. Big plank platforms that lead into the big gulley. If you know what you're doing and have the right downhill bike, you'd be able to ride them, but some kid is going to take a dare and kill himself on that crap. Then we'll all be out a good place to ride.

[txmtnbiker74]

I agree with you, I just think its disrespectful that there are people out there that don't think of others that ride in the same area.

[Mr. Guinness]

You are so right about trying to discourage the kids from doing the damage, unfortunately, those who don't ride or consider themselves 'eco-friendly' will grow angry and blame everyone for the damage...its bad for our image in general...what to do?

[txmtnbiker74]

I figure we all get bb guns and hide in the bushes when the boneheads jump the little jumps we shoot them. bwaaahhhahahahaha....ok...kidding..

[Mr. Guinness]

Some good old hazing from college days may do the trick!

[crashagain]

Originally posted by Mr. Guinness
You are so right about trying to discourage the kids from doing the damage, unfortunately, those who don't ride or consider themselves 'eco-friendly' will grow angry and blame everyone for the damage...its bad for our image in general...what to do?

I think the only thing you can do is try to repair damage as much as possible. Some of the stuff on the regular trail that is just blatant disregard for other users, I'm thinking about disassembling and repairing (shoveling the dirt back into the holes and thus removing the jumps). Of course they've cut a bunch of trees and used the logs to stabilize the dirt jumps - there's some damage you just cant repair.

Too much of that would start a war between user groups, so I think you let them have their area (in this case, the bowl), and you undo the inconsiderate crap they do in other parts of the trail. I think we've got to pick our battles and try to be as tolerant as reasonable people can be.

What I'm really not sure about are the elevated planks heading into the big dip - stuff like that. I wouldn't want to be disassembling that when the builders come along - that would be the kind of confrontation I don't need. And don't get me wrong - I'm not against BC style construction - I just think some of the stuff is really poorly constructed, and others are just inviting some jerk to kill himself and cause a big fence to be erected around the whole area...or some other landowner deterrent.

[crashagain]

They've got some ramps that are well constructed and pretty cool... lots of jumps, ladders and stuff in the bowl area that are just fine - I'm not trying to push them out, just try to ask them to be tolerant of other user groups too.

[toonces]

So, um, someone PM me with detailed directions to this place from the I-10 @ Silber/Antoine area. I'll have to check it out to make sure it's up to safety snuff. And of course, I'll have to ride it and report back. So until then, don't touch a thing!

:D

Seriously, PM already with the directions someone!

[crashagain]

toonces - don't worrry, the stuff I'm thinking of undoing isn't well constructed anyway, and is on the regular trail. Ppl dig these big holes, and then make the jumps either poorly or the wrong spacing, and they end up not being ridden anyway.

The bowl area is where most of the "freeride" stuff is, and it's constantly changing - stuff gets built, taken down, reassembled, etc. There's no telling if it'll be a good ride when you show up or not.

If you wanna go off the planks into the big gully, more power to ya. Some are kinda stupid if you stupid if you ask me. You're dropping off anywhere from 10-15+ feet, and you'd have to go pretty slow in order not to slam into the climb on the other side (which isn't climbable unless you hit it with speed, without the plank)

I'll PM you directions.

[txmtnbiker74]

Head out there this weekend if I get the time and see the damage for myself. I'm going off what some good friends said they saw and from what everyone else has described its looks as if the MTB parts of the bowl are gone :( Oh well, guess I'll just start hanging out at the Anthills more often. Love those trails.

[crashagain]

There's still trail to ride - it's not a total loss. It's just worrisome for the future and irritating for today. The Anthills is a great trail to ride, although they have their own issues there, too. If Cypresswood is convenient for you to ride, I wouldn't stop going there - just keep in mind on your first lap each visit that things might be different than before, and in cases like Laura's Demise, could cause you a world of hurt if you fly through there not expecting what amounts to a booby-trap.

As with all "unofficial" trails, there's never any guaranty that they'll be there next time you ride, so I think we've got to enjoy them for today - try to use and maintain them responsibly - and hope for the best!

It IS in violation of the IMBA rules of the trail to ride without permission, but there are many gray areas when you live in a place like Houston where there are very few official open access trails. We have many "don't ask, don't tell" trails -Cypresswood and the Ant Hills are both in that category. I think it's got to do with landowner liability. If they pretend they don't know we're there, then they're not likely to be liable for things that happen to us when we ride there, according to TX law. Once they acknowledge and allow the use, although the letter of the law is still on their side, gross negligence becomes a potential liability loop hole. Especially when structures are being built on the property and they are aware of it. Again, the letter of the law is on their side, but the potential is there.

[Mr. Guinness]

You center right on the very issue regarding the 'don't ask-don't tell' locations. We had 'Johnny Law' visit us at AH in early November, we had professional folks step up to avoid arrests, but were subject to the long arm of the law. What's next?

IMBA suggested pursuing an agreement with 'them', as tehy continue to bulldoze away the trees and nature of AH. Its a horrible situation, I'm making an effort to talk with'them' about trails and their plans for the future...can singletrack be endorsed and remain? We're going to find out very soon!

Hey, any word on Huntsville Trail Work?

[txmtnbiker74]

I was under the impression that the AH were official. It seems that they are maintained pretty well with the exception of that area where the bulldozing is going on. They had changed a little bit since a few weeks ago, rode them on Saturday and was supprised to see how much was bulldozed. Through us for a loop.

[Mr. Guinness]

Yeah, I'm gonna ride there Friday AM to see it all for myself. :mad:

[crashagain]

If anyone's interested, here are the relevant links:

Texas Recreational Use Statute - CHAPTER 75. LIMITATION OF LANDOWNERS' LIABILITY (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ci/ci007500toc.html )

GOVERNMENTAL LIABILITY (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ci/ci010100.html#ci004.101.021)

I don't profess to be a legal guru, and I don't know how case law impacts the interpretation of these statutes...but the wild card is gross negligence, and you're less likely to be considered negligent if you don't know anyone's there ...of course there's probably some arguable point that would say, under certain circumstances, that a landowner "should have known"

[crashagain]

Sorry about that - those links didn't work, try these:

Texas Recreational Use Statute - CHAPTER 75. LIMITATION OF LANDOWNERS' LIABILITY (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ci/ci0007500toc.html)

GOVERNMENTAL LIABILITY (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ci/ci0010100.html#ci004.101.021)

[crashagain]

Originally posted by Mr. Guinness
Yeah, I'm gonna ride there Friday AM to see it all for myself. :mad:

Ant Hills or Cypresswood?

[Mr. Guinness]

Originally posted by crashagain
Ant Hills or Cypresswood?

Good question, I just posted that thought on Smack, I was thinking AH - if its above water, but should check out Cypresswood. I'll have to think about that...hmmmmm.....

[crashagain]

Originally posted by Mr. Guinness
Good question, I just posted that thought on Smack, I was thinking AH - if its above water, but should check out Cypresswood. I'll have to think about that...hmmmmm.....

Let me know - if you come up to Cypresswood, I'll be happy to show you around (I live a few miles away, and ride the bayous from hom to get there).

If you ride AH, and I can get down there, I might like to join you there too. I haven't ridden AH for quite some time, and need to get out and ride.

As long as it doesn't rain for real between now and then, both should be rideable Friday, although I guess AH all depends on when they last released water out of the resevoir...

[Schroeder]

No word on Huntsville. I need to find Richard and discuss it. We will post all work parties on GHORBA as well as inform Russell who will send out notices to the GHORBA mailing list. If you are not on the GHORBA mailing list, sign up for it. It tends to be a better way to get information than reading hte GHORBA page right now.

Jimm

[Mr. Guinness]

Thanks Jim...I'm on the GHORBA list, but the notices don't arrive early enough to fit my busy schedule, so I'm trying to save a day, the question is...which day?

[jrwjr_eng]

I used to live across the street from the trails at cypresswood. In the early 90's the 4th precent used to patrol on bike those trails and neighborhoods. I do not know if the still do but the trails can not be that illegal if they are\were patroled.

[Mr. Guinness]

Hey Jim:

I'm meeting some folks over at the Anthills at the Dairy Ashford lot around 8:00 AM (day off from work), are you available to ride? Hopefully weather cooperates.....

Dan

[Schroeder]

I am off that day. I don't know if I can make it. I live in the Woodlands and getting over there to the AH at that time of the morning doesn't sound like my idea of fun. What are the present AH conditions (with it sprinkling for a few days now)?

I can check my schedule and see if I can get over there. I want to get a closer look at the bulldozer work really.

[Mr. Guinness]

I'll ask for a trails update and let you know, hope they're OK. I'm not leaving for comfort until 12:30 PM, so if you want to get there a bit later in the AM, I can meet you there.

[txmtnbiker74]

I'll be riding AH on Saturday depending on the weather and how high the bayou is then. Worse comes to worse...I'll hit cypresswood.

[Mr. Guinness]

Originally posted by txmtnbiker74
I'll be riding AH on Saturday depending on the weather and how high the bayou is then. Worse comes to worse...I'll hit cypresswood.

The word is that the Anthills are too muddy to ride right now, so tommorow AMs 8 AM tour is cancelled, though I may join others for a quick blaze of the paved trails...leaving for Comfort at 9:00 AM - looking forward to the challenge!

[crashagain]

It'll be more fun to ride Flat Rock on Friday, before the trail work on Saturday - you can ride around here anytime (...well...anytime that it's not a swamp...:( )

It'll be nice to have the lay of the land before you go to work on the trails. Flat Rock is definitely some of the finest off road riding in TX (in which I've had the pleasure to partake...).

Have fun! (and bring a first aid kit - lots of rocks)

Did you get clipless pedals for the Jamis? I hope you've tested them before this...;)

[Mr. Guinness]

Yeah, I finally went clipless and am doing well, but the technical challenges lie ahead. I'm going to work on the pedals tonight to make sure I can 'escape' easily! No need to hurt myself before RHR and my first 'race', I'll just be happy to finish! :p

[Mr. Guinness]

[i]
Did you get clipless pedals for the Jamis? I hope you've tested them before this...;) [/B]

Well, I crash tested the Jamis this past weekend...kidding, actually, I did pretty well, but had problems at the switchbacks. I fell 5 times on Friday, only 2 on Saturday - both times at switchbacks! I'll have to take those turns a bit wider next time, any advice you'd like to give to the 'flying' barney?

Are you racing RHR or going for the ride on 2/9? I'm going for paydirt work 9-12 and then check out the course - I've never ridden there, perhaps I can follow and flip behind you?

Dan

[crashagain]

Originally posted by Mr. Guinness
Well, I crash tested the Jamis this past weekend...kidding, actually, I did pretty well, but had problems at the switchbacks. I fell 5 times on Friday, only 2 on Saturday - both times at switchbacks! I'll have to take those turns a bit wider next time, any advice you'd like to give to the 'flying' barney?

Are you racing RHR or going for the ride on 2/9? I'm going for paydirt work 9-12 and then check out the course - I've never ridden there, perhaps I can follow and flip behind you?

Dan

Congrats on your success with the clipless pedals! If you made it over all those rocky sections and didn't get stuck in your pedals, drawing big blood, you did AWESOME! The switchbacks are tricky but you'll get those in no time. It's just a matter of picking a wider line and shifting your weight at slow climbing speed - a matter of timing and balance.

I'm not racing this spring - trying to focus on finding a job - I'm at a crisis stage as far as that goes. I'm not training and definitely not road tripping since I'm broke. I do hope to do some fun rides somewhere along the way, if only for the opportunity to witness your acrobatics on the bike ;) :D .

It's great to hear about your adventures. I'm sure you'll be leaving me in the dust next time we ride!

Sorry to miss you at the meeting last night - I had planned to go, but my plans were foiled. Besides, I donno if I could've taken the pressure of the beads and all... :eek:

[Mr. Guinness]

Originally posted by crashagain
I'm not training and definitely not road tripping since I'm broke. I do hope to do some fun rides somewhere along the way, if only for the opportunity to witness your acrobatics on the bike ;) :D . It's great to hear about your adventures. I'm sure you'll be leaving me in the dust next time we ride! Sorry to miss you at the meeting last night - I had planned to go, but my plans were foiled. Besides, I donno if I could've taken the pressure of the beads and all... :eek:

While I shed no major blood, I have some great bruises and a few scratches (nearly healed!) that I am terrifically proud of! Yes, balance thru them switchbacks would help, but I must tell you, that lower loop is wonderful! How inspiring to get better with every ride along a rather challenging course. Alas, no gymnastics, though those 5 falls on Friday were beer related!
Well...I was thirsty, then I got onto the bike and said: 'uh-oh', I really should remember that beer is for 'afterwards'. :rolleyes:

I'm sorry that you're not racing but I do hope that you'll find the chance to come on out and say hello, I know I could use your advice, and you can be sure there will always be a beer (or two, three...five) awaiting you. :p

Dan

[Lumberjack]

Dan, I hope your wittle scratches healed up. You should of seen my legs when I first started riding at comfort! I have about ten scars now. We will go back again and maybe you can have the balls to let go of the brakes on the evil worm. Man it's fun!!!
Just messin' with you. Take a pill , geez-usss.

p.s. Cypresswood sux

[Mr. Guinness]

right now as we speak, I am undergoing a scientific experiment to grwo some real balls to ride the Evil Worm...oh sh*t, I just dropped the antidote, oh no, my balls are swelling, their the size of basketballs...noooooooooooooo!

splat! Uh-oh, now I really don't have any balls.

My and my tiny self will do better next time as I regrow my balls to deal with the evil worm...go again 2/28-3/2?

Dan

[onehittah]

Could someone give me directions to Cypresswood?

I will be in town througout the week.

I will be staying in Sugar Land, S59.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Onehittah
onehittah@hotmail.com

[txmtnbiker74]

If you head up 59 to Beltway 8/Sam Houston Tollway, go left heading North I think...could be West exit... anyways, keep on the toll road till you get to SH 249 and exit there turn left at that light. Get on 249, drive till you see the Cypresswood exit, take a Right on Cypresswood and continue through about 7 stop lights. After the 7th, you'll pass a Police Station, and on through that light, about a mile past that PS, You'll cross a creek, about 200 ft after that is the beginning of the trails.


Sorry if these are very good directions, I could find it with my eyes closed since I've riddin it so much.

[crashagain]

Note on directions...

The main intersections you'll go through from 249 to the cypresswood trails are Cutten Rd, Champions Forest Dr, and Steubener Airline. The police station is right after Steubener Airline. Total distance from SH 249 to the trail head is (I'm guessing) about 4 miles. The trail head is at the intersection of TC Jester and Cypresswood. TC Jester goes north, and the trail head is to the south - ppl park along the barriers blocking the "future extension" of TC Jester to the south (right).

Note on trail conditions...

I rode Cypreswood yesterday, and the trails along the bayou and interior to the loop were in pretty good shape. The part of the loop that is closest to the road - were there are several large flat sections that don't drain - is very wet in places. It's passable, but you'll be riding through mud. If we get the rain we're expected to get today and tomorrow, the trails will most likely be unrideable until we've had 4-5 dry days, at least. If you ride today, I would suggest following the trail head straight back until you can see the bayou, then turn left. The trails along the bayou and the offshoots from it are in good shape. When you get to the "bowl" - area with lots of BMX jumps and ramps - that's pretty much the farthest point on the trails in that direction. I'd recommend coming back the way you went out - along the bayou.

There is also a trail to the right of the entrance, which goes through the woods and around a retention pond and out to the bayou and back to the road.

Utilizing all the trail that's there, you can put together about a 4-5 mile loop. Going out there without someone who knows the trails, you're likely to end up going in circles and missing some good sections of trail, but it's a fun ride if you're in the neighborhood.

I wouldn't say it's necessarily worth the drive from Sugarland. You might be better off going to the Anthills (Terry Hershey Park on Memorial near Hwy 6, west of town). Those trails are closer to you and have more mileage. Check out the following link for info:

http://www.teamsmack.org/the_anthills.htm

Also, Memorial Park would me much closer than Cypresswood, as well. Mtn bike trails are on the south side of Memorial Drive, parking near the baseball fields/picnic loop. Trail head maps are posted.

[cASe]

I don't know these trails at all, but it sounds like you guys have somebody building some cool stuff out there. You can hit jumps with your MTB. Destroying trail is BADDD. Building up trail with jumps and other fun stuff is cool as long as you give people a choice to go around it.

[WaveDude]

All you anti-freeride types need to read this--> http://www.dirtragmag.com/articles/article.php?ID=393&category=departments

[crashagain]

Originally posted by WaveDude
All you anti-freeride types need to read this--> http://www.dirtragmag.com/articles/article.php?ID=393&category=departments

You don't seem to be reading the posts - we're not ANTI freeride, we just want everyone to be cognizant of other trail users out there. Structures shouldn't be built on trails that destroy or block preexisting lines, or cause destruction that will come back to bite ALL trail users. Do what you want, but not at the expense of the rest of the users.:mad: :mad:

[crashagain]

Originally posted by WaveDude
All you anti-freeride types need to read this--> http://www.dirtragmag.com/articles/article.php?ID=393&category=departments

Okay, got a minute to read the article you linked to, and it reinforces the position I've been trying to express:

The Problem

"Most advocacy groups are experts at building shared-use sustainable trails. But herein lies the problem. The people building legal trails with land manager permission are primarily cross country riders building cross country style trails. Combine this with the shared-use trail politics of inclusion (everyone should be able to ride, walk, run or ski the same trail), and the end result simply isn't going to satisfy the technical challenges that freeriders require.

The unfortunate consequence of the politics of inclusion is the exclusion of freeriders. The public gets pissy when illegal trails and stunts sprout up on public land. Land managers are pissed that "mountain bikers" build stuff without permission or regard for the local ecology. Bike advocates are pissed that illegal trailbuilders' actions threaten our privilege to use the trails. And freeriders are pissed that they don't have challenging trails to ride, and everyone points the blame at them. "

This problem is evident at Cypresswood, but goes a step further. The freeriders' construction is NOT done off-trail, but RIGHT SMACK IN THE MIDDLE of pre-existing trail, built and used by XC riders. Traditionally, the bowl has been used for jumps and other man-made challenges, and the user groups tolerated each other well enough. Recently, various parts of the trail have been torn up and, in addition, construction in and around the bowl has prevented traditional "fun" lines that were ridden by many.

The Solution

The article presents the "right way" to approach freeriding:

"Call me naïve, but I believe that if technical, legitimate trails are built, then freeriders will be less likely to take matters into their own hands, and everyone will win. We need to build trails that 80% of the general public can't ride.

Freeriders must be involved in this process from the get-go. They need to attend the initial meetings with land managers to lobby for trails, and they need to help design and build the trails. Their local knowledge and ability to visualize lines that most cross country riders can't even imagine is key, and once they understand that they are a valuable collaborator in the project, I believe they'll take ownership and pride in what they've helped create… legally. In short, freeriders can help us build better, more challenging trails, and become "advocates" in the process. "

This process requires PROACTIVE EFFORT on the part of freeriders to become involved in local access/advocacy issues. GHORBA has attempted to partner with freeriders and develop a freeride park where a landowner was open to it. What happened? Lack of interest. Freeriders need to come to the table and work within "the system" rather than outside of it. GHORBA had to work damage control with the parks department when "those mountain bikers" took the blame for a freeride "playground" somebody built in the triangle area, by hacking up trees (stripping bark, chopping haphazardly) to build their rickety structures. XC trail builders and GHORBA representatives had to step up and disassemble and haul away the crap that was there. That kind of situation DOES have the potential to get mountain bikers run out of Memorial Park ENTIRELY.

Bottom Line: If it's done with permission, built soundly and with respect for other users, then freeride contstruction won't have such a bad connotation.

In the gray areas [don't ask-don't tell areas], like Cypresswood, we all need to be tolerant of each other and not do things that exclude other users.

[txmtnbiker74]

Great post, I'm in the middle of reading that article, but I believe that most of the points in it are related to the problem we have with "unofficial trails" and our ability to share them with others.